England have a concern over prop Dan Cole who, like scrum-half Danny Care, has yet to train this week.

But the real injury worry belongs to Wales, whose captain Sam Warburton is unlikely to be fit for their first game against Italy.

The Lions skipper has been out with shoulder damage since the end of November and admits he is unsure whether it is wise to return in a Test match.

“I’ve not ticked the ‘contact’ box yet and until I do I won’t be ready to move on to the next stage,” said Warburton. “If I can do what I’m meant to be doing towards the end of this week, then I’d be happy to play.”

Concern for Warburton has not dulled Welsh ­ambition to become the first team to win three successive Six Nations titles.

“Three in a row is a focus,” said boss Warren Gatland.

“When I came in, we had players who had the success of the 1970s teams rammed down their throats.

“It’s nice to be involved in creating our own history. And we’re not finished yet. ­Hopefully this is just the middle period of a golden era in Welsh rugby.”